ARCADIA. To Arcady, to Arcady, Bear me, thou, whose power I own, By whatever title known, Spirit of blest poesy! Back, from this artificial age, Hence, from this cold and sordid clime, Where mortals scorn the poet's rage, And honest poverty is crime, Speed, to where nature wanders blithe and free, To Arcady, to Arcady. Space flies and fades, 'tis past, 'tis gone, And time again is young: 'Tis won, the golden land is wor, In golden numbers sung. Alight on some oak cover'd mountain, There, the birth place of a god; [1836. Now the forest we'll explore, Now to the warrior age, spirit, and tell Where he, brave, the good, The boast of Greece, Epaminondas fell: And how the Grecian sun, thence, palely beam'd; And, shorn of its renown, How her bright day went down, As clouds from Macedon and Rome Or where bold Alcides trod, Ere yon lake and ferny fountain Obscured her heaven, and told her doom; And the fierce Goth in tempest came, Saw his conquering arm oppose, And vanquish all his winged foes. And red-cross robbers rush'd in flame, Now to th' vale, where, with his shepherd's crook, Till through her night an alien crescent gleam'd Divine Apollo, seated by yon brook, From Grecian skies, shedding the withering war, Sang, to the listening swains, And Greece lay cold and stark beneath the scimi. His heavenly strains. tar. Beneath old ocean's bed, Where'er her tootsteps led, Till in fair Sicily, thus sings the muse, The lover in her cold embrace appears, As, in her maiden grief, she flows a fount of tears. Up the course of yonder stream, Drooping spirit, raise thine eyes- On his own Mantinean field, See where stalks the warrior's ghost, Calling on yon embattled host For native land to die, or ere they yield. See you not their columns form, Mark you not the rush, the storm, Hear you not the shouts that speak Triumph to the gallant Greek! Hark! the distant hills around, In echoes, join the glorious sound; It is the voice of victory, The Turk is fled, and Greece is free! Now o'er temple, town and tower, Myrtle now, and olive wave Courted by the spicy gale, As a poet's dream of May. See, upon yon mossy rock, Where a shepherd, near his flock, Places in her sunny hair, While she lists, with conscious ear, To what her lovers love to hear. : Spirit, I must back again From the Saturday Evening Post. At Twilight hour I love to steal, And shed alone fond memory's tear, Breathed to fond friendship's listening ear. Yet do I love the twilight hour For thou a soothing balm can bring, And fancy's sweet and soothing power Blunts kindly memory's poignant sting. Though the Appalachian steeps do not rise to Alpine heights, nor do they aspire to vie with the towering Cordel leras, still they rise rock upon rock, wood crowned to awaken feelings of admiration and grandeur in the bosom which swells upon their rocky sides, or frowning brows. In infant years I gazed upon these fringed dells and beetling cliffs, and when more than half a century have passed away, my heart warms with the remembrance. Oft since have I revisited those mountains and oft have inwardly felt their immensity and unchangeableness-even their sterility seemed to mock the efforts of man, to give new features to works which rose with creation. Rude and stern as are the lineaments of those children of ages, a smile sometimes breaks forth. In one of my rambling excursions I rose a mountain path but little frequented in the northern part of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. The day was an uncommonly clear and fine specimen of autumn. The air was bland and bracing, and at many openings of the forest I halted to gaze over the wide spread and farm decorated valley of Conedog winat. As my narrow path merged into one of the public roads, a farm opened which tell partly down the mountain slope, and part opened on one of those fertile table lands so oft found along the Appalachian chains. Amid orchards. meadows, fields and gardens stood a stone house, which from the style of its architecture seemed anti-revolutionary, as did the barn and other out houses. The building stood in a mountain gap, from both sides of which fountains of purest limpid water gushed in abundant streams. It was and is a spot soft and beautiful amid scenes of grandeur, and from which spreads a landscape embracing much of Franklin and Cumberland counties. and far on the back ground rise the hilis of Adams. "How far to a public house?" I demanded of an old man 1 met opposite the Antique Mansion. "Not far to a private one," he pleasantly replied, "but several miles to a tavern-but if it is rest and refreshment you want, walk in, this house is mine." The manner of the patriarch and the allurements of the place were too seductive to be resisted and with some acknowledgements I entered. Dinner being ready, we sat down, and from my seat the view swept along the mountain slopes until lost in the far south western horizon. Amongst the crags of a not very distant precipice a white spot met my eye. It seemed too small and shapeless for a house and as my entertainer showed himself communicative, I asked him to explain the phenomena. At the question, the whole family, the old man, his wife and half dozen younger ones whom I afterwards found were their children, all exchanged looke with arch smiles. I sat rather confused until the old man seeing my embarrassment apologised, and observed."That is a house or rather our temple where we peep into futurity-in that house resides an old lady who can see farther into time than inost people can into the north mountain." I at once perceived that some joke lay beneath, and determined to give my share, replied "She might do that and not be able to tell who would be president of the United States in 1975." "Oh! Lydia Ashbaugh never consults her familiar on politics," subjoined the old man," but a few of our young people and some of our old ones have learned their fortunes, and as mother Rarity, as she is an honest witch, tells often more than her inquirers like to hear." "An honest witch," exclaimed I; " is a new characterI had thought the whole craft, hone t or dishonest, had become extinct." "You have just travelled far enough to find your mistake in the supernatural," replied mine host, we have not only one but two species here in our back woods.Any of our girls who are young and beautiful, and more particularly if rich, they are witches." Here for the soul of me I could not help exclaiming," and more than one of that species are present"-as I glanced my eyes upon two of the most lovely and blushing faces that ever perched on an Appalachian ghant. Yes" continued the not displeased parent, "but we have another species not a jot more mischievous than the first, and in their way, as much sought after. When a woman is single, old, ugly, and of all things else, poor, she is a witch, and of these marks, mother Rarity possesses at least the three first, and the world gives her credit for the last, and the numbers are not small, who within ten miles of this spot most conscientiously believe that she can speak all languages, knows every thing, especially what is to be, and that she can be where she pleases, when she prenses." Let none of the readers of the Post, believe in their own infallibity so far as to suppose, that when they undertake to climb a mountain they can leave human nature at the base; since, if I may decide this problem by my own example, I must confess I brought up all my share to the farm house, and consequently was seized with a most anxious desire to see a person answering so well to the witch of Eador; but concealing my wishes under an air of levity, I aided the merriment which went round at the expense of But heavens, as we were in the midst of our mirth, the door was darkened and we all turned to see why, when to my sight appeared certainly the most extraordinary figure in the human form I had ever beheld.The family seemed in no ways either surprised or alarmed, but 1 showed at least so much of the first that the apparition fixing her eyes, which were of powerful expressica, on mine, observed "So Mark Bancroft is come to the north mountain to laugh at mother Rarity," and she grinned "a ghastly It may well be supposed this introduction did not lessen my expressions of astonishment, and my old host appeared to enjoy my confusion. "Yes! old man," continued the hag, "well will it be for you if I dont change you into a rock or bear." But I could perceive a lurking smile on the most expressive countenance I had ever beheld, and by the ill suppressed titter of the young, indeed the old ones, could casily see that the witch and the family understood each other, and all alike laughed under the rose at the folly of some of their neighbours. This afforded me a clue which I was determined to pursue, and with a something of mock gravity begged pardon for my levity, and in turn, expressed my wonder how I could be known in a place so remote from my former walks. "Oh! you are confounded," said the seer, "do you know that I was on the stone beside you when the old soidier related his tale." *Not the least suspicion crossed my mind that I was in such good company," replied I, "but since I have learned the fact, very much rejoiced am I." To have an emissary of the and her master invisibly near you, eh!" interrupted mother Rarity, with a look which I too well remember even to forget, but which I shall not attempt to describe; it was just such a look as we might expect a witch to give to a person whom she knew to be possessed of the true secret of her craft. With this look and no farther ceremony, mother Rarity made a sign to my host which he no doubt understood as he rose, and apologising to me, observed he would return in a few moments, vanished into a back apartment of the house. The eyes of the residue of the family followed them with faces, as much as to say "we know." ny, but left me uninterrupted to reverie until some exciting thought roused me to the reflection, that I was on the blue mountain, and not on the banks of the Swatara, and awaking as if from a painful sleep, I looked round the room very much like a person who felt something abashed. "Mother Rarity has touched you with her rod," at length observed the old farmer, smiling. Very much relieved by a renewal of plain human conversation, I replied, she has touched and taxed my memory not a little. How she has learned my name except by aid of her old friend, is more than my poor brain can divine, but let her knowledge come from whence it may. she certainly does know my name, and of those I knew in my infant years more than my name." Here I paused. and indeed while speaking, come to a resolution which, however, I kept to myself, and rising, requested the charge for my fare. The old farmer smiled and replied " Nothing." "Cheaper than city hospitality," rejoined I," now favor me with the name of the mountain farmer who sets no va(lue on the produce of his farın." "Saul Standley does set great value on the produce of his farm, and when I can exchange it by cheering the sojourner, my price is paid." To this bowing I made a suitable reply and was again on my road. The bland air, every moment changing mountain scenery, and the rather singular incidents of the day, all excited rapid reflections as I slowly descended the mountain. "I have not left Saul Standley's hamlet to return no more, nor have I seen mother Rarity for the last time," muttered I to myself. "There have been some curious links in that part of the chain of my fortune which have been unwound, and no doubt these yet on the wheel are as variously twisted, contorted and rough to handle-In deed I must have a peep into the coil." Indulging the judicious hope of having discovered a telescope with which to penetrate the distant and dark regions of futurity and in scanning the delightful scenery around me, darkness was falling heavy over the deep vales before the thought came where I was to lay my head. Starting as from a dream, the landscape, late so resplendent, was shrouded in shades which every moment rendered more solemn. A dead silence gives a something of awful loneliness to my feelings. The path, for in fact I had in my musings left the main road, was barely visible under the black shades. Suddenly I was arrested by the sharp barking of a small dog, who rushed almost to my feet, but retreating as I advanced, led me into a small opening of the woods in which appeared a cabin from which issued a man, who scolding his little noisy sentinel, then invited me to walk in. "It is late friend," said I. "and necessary to find a lodging;" 'such as I have I am willing to give unto thee," replied the man, and ushered me into his cabin. Here a scene opened to my view which with all I had before seen, was new. The man, much above the middle size, and under middle age, had at once the open countenance, yet something of stern, which those who are initiated can never mistake, and says to them very plainly. "this man has been an officer, and has seen service." Веside a table and cradle, sat altogether the most striking female form 1 had ever beheld. Her face was not only pale but deadly pale, and yet her powerful black eyes seemed to have engrossed the whole energy of a soul of uncommon power. Her dress, as indeed every thing in the cottage was perfectly neat and clean; but the dress of this woman, in quality, bespoke coarseness and poverty. whilst in its adjustment and the easy air of the wearer appeared a being in disguise, a cul ivated being who had been driven by adverse winds to this remote shelter.While engaged in such common place conversation as rose from our inode of coming together, and while a full grown black man was setting our supper table, and while as far as politeness, perhaps further, would allow, I was examining around me, the lady, for lady she was, had drawn her nestling forth, just such a cherub boy as might Not quite as soon perhaps, as he himself expected, the "Captain Woolford," at last observed the black servitor, pointing to the supper table, and standing with the manner of a well drilled soldier when addressing his officer. A frank welcome came rather from the countenances than from the words of my entertainers, on whose faces, I could perceive an expression of sadness. After I was rivetted to the chair on which I was setting: my eyes followed the receding apparition, whilst a crowd of confused recollections rushed on my mind. Things and persons long forgotten returned to memory, but with the incoherency of a dream. The family, who only heard the roice without distinguishing the words, all fixed their gaze on my abstracted countenance, with an inquiring scruti-supper I was shown into a small shed room and to a bed partaking of the general appearance of the house. The thin plank door permitted me to hear every word above a whisper, and though unwilling, I was compelled to be a listener to a conversation, which drew sleep from my eye lids, not only whilst it was carried on but for the residue of the night. My Scotch Irishified tone had led the unsuspecting husband and wife, no doubt into the beliet' that they could talk French in my hearing with impanity. While indeed spending the evening with these interesting people, I found something of foreign in the accents of the wife; I was now to find that she was in reality, though a native of Pennsylvania, a French woman by her mother, and a German by her father. After my departure for some time, their words, though spoken with great energy, was inaudible, being spoken in tones little above a whisper, but as their minds become excited their voices were raised and assumed a painful earnestness. "Oh my Caroline, my sweet little Frederic." at last berst from the man, y own wretchedness is nothingbut the villain-" "Cannot forever prosper," replied the wife-" Prosper," interrupted the husband in bitterness, "yes! such is the world, he may prosper and we perish with our infant "Silence for a few moments followed this denunciation of the moral government of the world, but was broken by the man exclaiming "Caroline do you really think this mau received your father's money ?" "As firmly as I believe my own being, and to the amount of at least twenty thousand dollars, and careless as my poor father was in his money affairs 1 have no doubt but that some written instrument was once in existence-but alas! that fire." Here the hard breathing of the man and the sobs of the woman, were the only sounds I heard from them for several minutes. She first regained her fortitude, and resumed observing As to the claim which is crushing us, it is no doubt a forgery, but heaven will" "Yes! heaven has"-interrupted the man, and with this passionate exclamation, his words were again followed by breathing almost convulsive, whilst his more reflecting wife continued in a tone which gradually calmed the husband. "Oh! James why aggravate our situation by such language-heaven preserved thee on the battle field-open thy noble breast and see that scar, which to my eyeyes! to my heart has always been thy greatest beauty. Heaven gave thee life, reason, and an integrity of soul above all wrong-If my unnatural uncle has robbed us, and if he drives us from this cabin, have we not health, education, and this," pointing no doubt to the face of their sleeping babe. Never did I hear such an alteration of voice as I now heard from captain James Woolford as he exclaimed, God of infinite goodness and mercy forgive me, for thou knowest why I am tired--my own Caroline, my little Fred, my soul, my character, yes my utter contempt of all he can do." There was evidently much of camp religion in Captain Woolford's change of feeling, but with even that mixture, the change was salutary, and tranquilized the wife and mother. with much sweetness added. - "Glad indeed would I be to think that my-yes I'll say my wretched uncle, had as good cause to sleep soundly this night as we have." Soon all was silent and peaceful round the rustic dwelling. and I fully believed that the so recently distressed parents were wrapt in as profound forgetfulness of their misfortunes as were their sleeping boy, and my reflections on the mysterious ways of both guilt and innocence were at length interrupted, nor were they resumed until the increasing light of day roused me to a remembrance, that I was still an actor on a theatre where few knew the part they were soon to be compelled 10 act. Habituated to early risings as I had been, my soldier host was up before me; and as I issued from the bed room was met by a man, on whose face no despondency appeared on the contrary the first smile I had seen to unbend his features, beamed on me as he observed, my friend you are not a prisoner of war but of peace, and cannot be discharged until after breakfast." "Your commands must be obeyed," Captain Woolford I replied " such captivity is not very distressing-and if it had the burthen, would have been removed by the en trance of the angel of the scene." What means I should have adopted to obtain more in sight into the peculiar causes of distress so imperfectly revealed the evening before I know not, as plans had been laid in my breast previously to remain in the vicinity some time, and of course, expected to receive what I desired from public gossip. Our meal completed, with such acknowledgements only which such people would receive, I departed. Still early and in the deep mountain valley the sun's light came only by reflection, and the long shadows of one ridge fell with a solemn and every moment changeful effect on its western neighbour. My path led me under a projecting precipice, rendered more gloomy by a brow of cedars and Ithick underwood. Glimpses of numerous farms flashed amongst the branches and foliage at intervals, and I was thinking to myself how I should proceed to obtain quarters for a few weeks, when my cogitations were completely interrupted by a figure gliding as if issuing from the bosom of the mountain, and mother Rarity stood before me. How long we stood staring at each other I know not. My feelings were those of unutterable surprise. The countenance of the woman, I remember strongly but shall omit the vain attempt at description; there was an expression of mischief and derision. Whether or not she was awaiting me to break silence, I had not sufficient reflection to determine, but with a curl of lip, which might indeed well have suited a witch, she roused me to something like common sense by observing "Mark Bancroft bewitched." and laughed, such a laugh-it was not loud but awful, but as her features regained composure I with a little of embarrassment replied, "good woman would you ought with me?" "Good woman, alas!" she inwardly murmured, and remaining silent for some time; abstracted, as if some terrible recollection had risen, and as I stood the image of astonishment at the strange rencounter with a being who it was evident knew my name, but of whom with every effort of memory I could recal no trace. "Yes!" at length she replied in grent earnestness of manner," "I have sought thee for a purpose which will speak to thy soul. When thou departed yesterday from the door of one of the best men in whose house thou hast ever entered, I followed thee, and saw thee entering the house of mourning, but"--and here again she paused, whilst I remained in mute and really painful suspense to learn to what the scene was to lead. "I saw thee enter," at length she resumed the mansion of sorrow, and now invite thee to the Witch's cave." Before I could answer she beckoned, and following her round the projecting rocks and by means of the scattered shrubs some distance up the mountain, until our view overtopped the trees of the valley below, and we had reached a shelf from which a most delightful landscape spread far down the mountain vale. Raising her shrivelled right arm and pointing to a very large farm house, observed in a voice which thrilled to my heart. "Yesterday thou satest at the board of innocence and worth, to day for why I am bound, but not now to explain, thou must enter the doors of hardened villainy, but" and her gritted teeth and face displayed a ferocity. I never could have thought was human. The paroxysm was, however brief, and she resumed. "Amuse thyself until the sun has commenced a downward course, and then approach, enter and seek refreshment in that house. Thy money will procure what nature demands, observe the master of the house, scan his features, and then think if you hast ever before seen such -turn thine eye up the mountain side to the left. Mark that white spot; it is a cabin passed by a path. Follow that path over the mountain top. Then turn your view to the left again_and you will see a dark roof,-it is the cave of mother Rarity, but enter it not with dav light."So saying she whirled round with the rapidity of a bird, while, "fail not" was the last words I heard from her shrivelled and compressed lips as darting round a projection of the rocky ledge, she disappeared. "Strange! strange!" muttered I to myself "that I should be spell-bound by such a being, but I am, and must know why, and as if compelled by an irresistible power, followed her directions. The day was sultry and close for autumn weather, and fatigued with my rambles something a'ter mid-day, I entered the house so terribly de. nounced by the mysterious woman. I was indeed met at the threshold by those harbingers of inhospitality, two fierce dogs, which were, however silenced by a man of middle age who advanced, and when the noise of his sen inels were hushed, demanded my business in no inviting, tane. "My business, "I replied. is to procure a dinner for which I expect to pay-Umph, was the reply as he waved me in with a sweep of his brawny hand and arm It is probable had no intimation been given of the man, I should have regarded his physiognomy in a high degree sinister, but influenced as I felt the giance of his dark and deep set eyes excited almost a shudder. He was taciturn and replied to my remarks by monosyllables, and to my few questions still more briefly. But he could not prevent nor suspect the true object of my visit, which in fact, I very faintly surmised myself. My dinner which was enarse being finished and paid for, I departed and as directed, ascended the mountain, ever and anon halting to behold the fine and every moment changing scenery, and ruminating on the singular lodging house I was approaching-but slow as I advanced, the afternoon seemed to lengthen as my curiosity became more intense, and the long shadows of even appeared to linger as if to mock my impatience. Before the sun had sunk behind the western mountains I found myself seated on a rock amid a grove of chesnut saplings above the cottage of the witch. As twilight fell black and heavy, the unbroken silence was awful. A storm would have given relief, but not a leaf moved, not a sound disturbed the fearful pause. As the moments of entering the lone habitation at length came round, I must confess the palace of an emperor would have been approached with less trepidation. But what must be must be thought I, as a hand cold and hard touch ed my cheek. Starting to my feet, in the gloom of the now closing night, stood before ine a form which could not be mistaken--it was the witch. "Enter and fear not," was her invitation as she turned and led me into the cave, for such in part was her dwelling. A lamp shedding faint light over bare walls-walls of rough unhewn and unwashed logs. Combined with the circumstances which preceded, there was a chilling horor in the scene. Before me stood the tall form of the re. cluse, her hollow visage and gray locks bespeaking pain and sorrow. Mute we stood for a few moments, when in a totally changed voice she earnestly exclaimed: "Lord I thank thee," and turning round flang open a door and to my utter surprise, on a table covered with green cloth stood two elegant silver candlesticks, with two brilliant candles shedding strong light over a white washed room. This room was without regular form as it was partly excavated from the natural rock. A bed good on one side and clothing covered with dust hung on the walls, as did several picture frames, screened with black guaze, also rendered grey with dust. A large bible and several other books lay on the table. Opposite to the bed stood a book case, which from the workmanship was evidently a relic of a past century, but now appeared as if torn by an electric stroke. standing as if shattered by some explosive force. Look around," said the woman, you are now in a room, no human being but myself has ever before entered. It was formed by Him, who also formed these mountains, and fashioned by these hands;" and she held up her long, bony, slender, embrowned and sinewy arms and hands before my face. I could bear in silence the scene no longer, and with something of irritation, observed. "Woman why all this? for what am I here?" Her lips quivered but her looks quailed not as she teadfastly returned my fixed look, and replied by repeating." for what am I here?" laving energetic emphason 1; and turning round while her eyes were still fixed mine, she removed the vail from before one of the pic tares. The moment the crape was removed I started back exclaiming with the utmost astonishment, Sophia Markland." Before me appeared a half length portrait of 4100 well known face, but a face I had not seen for nearly thirty years; but the fine blue eyes, exquisite teint and expression, the glossy and abundant ringlets, and a thou und painful remembrances, all rushed upon my heart with electric rapidity. My hostess left me a few moments a victim to surprise indescribable, until I again halt inwardly murmured, "poor murdered Sophia, where did heaven's vengeance sleep when thy betrayer and destroyer escaped? "Heaven's never slept." interrupted the woman, but like the spark which sifted that casket, "pointing to the thattered desk, the stroke may be delayed." She again pansed and then continued," what dost thou suppose was the final fate of Sophia Markland?" "Drowned in the Susquehanna, alas!" I replied. "In which her corpse was never found," rejoined the woman. "Not that I ever learned" "Or could learn," was the rapid interruption, " years of tears, pain, sickness, remorse, and all else, which can render life a punishment. would have been saved to the miserable Sophia, had the water been her friend as supposed. But Mark Bancroft, time presses-we cannot wait to trifle turn your eyes from the unconscious picture and look on this face." I did turn, and scanned the wrinkled features in vain to surmise why the request. "The ruin is too complete." she at length exclaimed in bitterness, nought of Sophia Markland," and she sunk into a chair, her head falling between her knees, with convulsive sobs A flash of lightning seemed to pass over my mind, and in its glare appeared the spirit of the long lost Sophia. I paced the room for some time at intervals repeating the name, and that of Eltham Heathfield,--names too fearfully connected. I was now convinced that the wasted and withered form beside me, was what remained of the once most attractive and beautiful Sophia, but I suffered the storm of regret to spend its force, and then drawing a chair sat down beside the recluse, and in a soothing tone observed, "Sophia, for you are Sophia, remember the days of our youth." My words fell as calm on a wounded heart, and raising her head, she siniled as a sun beam from a summer cloud, and ejaculated-" Oh how delightful twenty-five long years have passed since the human voice has fallen on this heart in kindness." She rose and passing into the outer room, bathed her feverish head with cool water, returned and sat down with a composure as if nothing extraordinary had occurred, but her eye falling perhaps accidentally, on the representation of what she had been, she started up, replaced the veil and again sat down, and pulling out a drawer of the table, drew forth a bundle of papers, bound with a blue ribbon, laid them between us with the mysterious observation, "heaven's vengeance REPOSES but SLEEPS not in that packet;" and then continued, "I am now to explain, why we are both here? therefore hear the witch's story.Fear no listeners. Those who are above the belief of witches, are above the meanness, and those who are not, would expect worse than the vengeance of heaven if they dared come near this cell in stealth." "The history of my family I need not relate--all that is known to thee as well as to myself--nor need I recall the too much courted Sophia, but it is necessary I should relate circumstances, with which your were, with the world in general, only acquainted by common report. While in Philadelphia and near completing my education, I was accidentally introduced to a young man, whose name, Eltham Heathfield, will be ere long restored to your recollection. At the moment, considered beautiful, and greatly richer than I was in act, was flattered, followed, envied and hated by most of my female friends, and pursued as prey by some of the other sex. Passions too powerful for reason, but with a heart in which neither affections or its opposite were moderate, it was not in my power to love otherwise than to excess. To most of the young gentlemen of my circle, I was only and merely acquainted by sight to most of them, my feelings at least were those of indifference. To all this. Eltham Heathfield was an exception. Mixing with the first society, his manners were polished-his coldness I then attributed to good sense--but I was to learn a deeper cause. A near relation of the family in which I boarded, Heathfield had unlimited admittance to my company and he profited of the advantage. Few words now are left--1 was deeply, purely, and unchangeably as I thought, attached, and in the full confidence of full return was in the warmth of youth. planning how faithfully the duties of wife should be performed. No reason have I now to disguise and in the face of heaven I declare, I do not believe any other woman ever more sincerely looked forward to wedded happiness founded on faithful discharge of the highest obligations. These were dreams--youthful dreams-my guardian spirit slept and I became the slave of a powdered villain. My idol was changed to a demon. The visits of my destroyer were made at lengthening intervals--still, however, though rendered less happy I was unconscious of the gulf opening before me. Seated one evening on a sopha in the common parlor-the sun had set, but the candles not yet lighted, I felt something of undefined dis |